Are sand paper perches bad?

[Mek0060]

I'm concerned about their nails getting too long.

 

[Mizzely]

Sand paper can be very hard on their feet! Natural bark perches will help, as would something like this: Bird Perches: Pumice conditioning perch from Drs. Foster & Smith

 

[Mek0060]

Shawna, I have a couple of the natural perches in their cage now. I'm just looking for a way to keep them from going thru the trauma of beak or nail trimming. They are Linnies.

 

[Mizzely]

Natural perches help with nails, that's why I mention it. How do you think they manage in the wild?

 

[rocky'smom]

sand paper perches are like you standing on GLASS shards all day.

 

[Mek0060]

Shawna, I don't know! They are my babies and I'm trying to do what's best for them.

Laurie, I didn't know that.

 

[Mizzely]

Sand paper and cement perches are very rough and abrasive. It can Bumblefoot, a real and potentially dangerous condition:

Bumblefoot appears in different stages:

• First Stage - Pink "calluses" appear. These abrasions to the lower surface of the foot feel hard and typically affect both feet. These "calluses" look like small pinkish or reddish areas or shiny patches that can show up on top as well as on the bottom of the feet.
  • They are most often caused by inappropriate perches - such as hard plastic or dowelling perches or rough, sandpaper covered perches - or by perching on the same surfaces for too long.

• Second Stage - Sores / lesions: As the affected feet have lost their protective scales, bacteria (usually staphylococcus bacteria) on unclean perches or other surfaces the birds come in contact with result in an infection. The sores become redder and more inflamed. At this point, antibiotics are most likely needed, in addition to addressing the initial problem that caused the issue.

• Third Stage - If the first and second stages aren't addressed, penetration may occur. The sores turn dark blue or black. Severe distortion of the foot and/or toes and permanent damage to the foot or feet occurs. Birds experience pain and discomfort, and they will be seen lifting up their feet to help relieve their discomfort. Birds become severely lame, and surgery (in addition to treating any underlying issues) is usually the only chance for a completely recovery.

from: Bumble Foot: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Even if they do require a nail trim occasionally, it is as traumatic as you clipping your toenails, and is much better than potential health issues and uncomfortableness caused by inappropriate perches.

 

[Mek0060]

Goodness. No sandpaper for the boys. I know all about staph. I work in healthcare.